ASC Welcomes Appointment of New Chairman, Australia

Australia’s largest specialised defence shipbuilding organisation, ASC, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Bruce Carter as its new Chairman. Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Penny Wong, announced earlier that Mr Carter will succeed current Chairman, Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie, from 1 October 2012 following the conclusion of his three-year term.

Mr Carter has served as a Director on the ASC Board since early 2010 and has a strong business background both in private business practice, and across a range of Government and private sector advisory and governance roles.

With significant experience operating in complex business environments, Mr Carter said that he was delighted to accept the role as Chairman.

“I am looking forward to continuing the good work achieved by the company toward building a strong national shipbuilding capability,” said Mr Carter. “ASC has achieved a great deal since it was established in 1985 as the Australian Submarine Corporation and it continues to consolidate its reputation as an industry leader. The company is entering an exciting phase, with the transition to the new In Service Support Contract (ISSC) for submarine maintenance, the start of consolidation of the first of three Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs), and the challenges and opportunities presented by the future submarine program. These all present unique and exciting challenges for ASC and its more than 2,300 employees,” Mr Carter said.

ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steve Ludlam, said he was looking forward to working closely with Mr Carter.

“ASC is an extraordinary business and one of Australia’s most significant manufacturing facilities. We have exceptional employees, who are helping deliver one of the most important outcomes to any country – assisting in the defence of a nation,” said Mr Ludlam. “My management colleagues and I look forward to Bruce’s leadership of the Board and the continued drive to continually improve in every area of our business,” he said.

Mr Carter also paid tribute to the leadership provided by Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie in his role as Chairman during the past three years.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, October 3, 2012